Mughal Administration c6.s8: § 8. The Censor of Public Morals.
Mughal Administration c6.s8
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§ 8. The Censor of Public Morals.
c6.s8.1
According to Muslim law, it is the king's duty to appoint an Inspector or Censor of Public Morals (*Muhtasib*), for regulating the lives of the people in strict accordance with the scriptural rules. The Censor's functions are to enforce the Prophet's commands and put down the practices forbidden by him (*amr wa nahi*),—such as drinking distilled spirits and fermented beer, *bhang* (i.e., hemp or *Cannabis sativa*) and other liquid intoxicants, gambling and certain kinds of sexual immorality. Dry intoxicants were not condemned, and we find both opium and *ganja* (i.e., the dried hemp plant) allowed, though Aurangzib forbade the cultivation of the *bhang* plant throughout his dominions. The punishment of heretical opinions, blasphemy against the Prophet, and neglect of the five daily prayers and the fast of Ramzān by Muhammadans also lay within the province of the Censor. He used to go through the streets with a party of soldiers demolishing and plundering liquor-shops, distilleries and gambling-dens wherever he found them, breaking with blows the pots and pans for preparing *bhang*, and enforcing the strict observance of religious rites on the part of the Muhammadan population. Sometimes his retainers had armed conflicts with the bold sinners who showed fight. The demolition of newly built temples was one of this officer's duties. (*History of Aurangzib*, iii. Ch. 28§2 and 34 app. 5)
c6.s8.2
The following instructions are given to a newly appointed *Muhtasib* (Censor) as to his duties:—
c6.s8.3
"To those Muhammadans who do not know the rules of worship according to the true faith and Musalmani conduct or ceremonies, you should give instructions in these matters. If they plead inability, reprimand or chastise them.
c6.s8.4
"In the bazars and lanes observe if any one, contrary to the regulations and custom, has screened off (*ābru*) a part of the street, or closed the path, or thrown dirt and sweepings on the road,—or if any one has seized the portion of the bazar area reserved for public traffic and opened his shop there; you should in such cases urge them to remove the violation of regulations.
c6.s8.5
"In the cities do not permit the sale of intoxicating drinks nor the residence of 'professional women' (*tawāif*, literally dancing girls), as it is opposed to the Sacred Law.
c6.s8.6
"Give good counsel and warning to those who violate the Quranic precepts. Do not show harshness [at first], for then they would give you trouble. First send advice to the leaders of these men, and if they do not listen to you then report the case to the governor." [Manual, 47-48.]
c6.s8.7
In later times in some provinces the Censor had also to fix the prices of goods and enforce the use of correct weights and measures in the markets. [Sanads and Letters, p. 81, Mirat, Sup. 174] But elsewhere this work was done by some other officer, such as the *kotwal*.